Telo Islands

The Telo islands is a year round surf destination with the main surf season from April-October

Although the region receives very consistent swell & favorable winds during the main season, the ferocity of the regions waves is a little less intense than that of the Mentawais. Its true to say it's a much smaller surf region than the Mentawais but in general, the line-ups remain quieter, with fewer surf camps and charter boats operating in the area. 

The waves are generally more suited to intermediate level surfers, as the waves tend to be more forgiving than many areas in Indonesia, less life or death and more fun and rippable & generally in the shoulder to head high range. Although it can get very good and there without question some world class barrels, these A-list waves are generally more fickle and need bigger swells to turn on.

Divided into 2 surfing regions - both the North & the South surf zones are each home to around a dozen quality "named" surf spots, totalling around 25 surf breaks as well as another dozen or more tightly guarded secret spots.

Instead of “home stays” – higher end resorts have the run of the land. These resorts actually work with each other (including the charter boats) – and respect each other’s guests – deliberately surfing different waves to keep the crowds to an absolute minimum. It really works well. The ethics in place in the Telos simply don’t exist in the majority of Indonesia. The numerous world class quality surf breaks will often have 2-3 names and their locations rarely pinpointed on maps resulting in a better surf experience for everyone.

To surf the whole of the Telos, you’d need use a charter boat. The surf resorts in the region will usually only surf the Northern area or the Southern area.

Your international flight should arrive into Jakarta, Soekarno–Hatta International Airport (CGK) or Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)

From Jakarta or KL, you usually will need to take a further flight to Padang, Minangkabau International Airport (PDG)

It’s about 1hr from Padang airport to downtown Padang where the majority of the hotels are. Some charter boats also depart from the river - but some also depart from Bungus port which is about 1hr from downtown Padang. Some guests will need to overnight in Padang - other guests wont need to depending on arrival and departure flight times.

For more detailed information including airline information, airport transfers and hotels please visit the individual camps or boats listed below.

As a rule, Sumatra is best explored as an intermediate or advanced surfer although there are some camps that cater for beginners in the Mentawais as well as South Sumatra.

Beginner surfer – can only surf the white water & often misses waves. Leaner’s will wipe out regularly on take-off and whilst riding a wave.

Beginner-intermediate surfer – can catch waves regularly, trimming left & right but without performing many manoeuvres.

Intermediate surfer – Will rarely miss catching a wave & will complete most waves from start to finish. Surfers will perform basic manoeuvres such as a cut-back, re-entry and floater.

Intermediate-advanced surfer - will perform most manoeuvres including getting tubed and sometimes aerial manoeuvres. These surfers are competent on point breaks and reef breaks.

Advanced surfer – are fast, stylish and will make surfing look easy. If they’re not performing aerials, then they will be getting tubed all day long or displaying an array of carves, hacks and flowing turns.

Guests should be aware of the following hazards & natural disasters:

Malaria is something that exists but isn’t a problem if guests cover up at dawn & dusk and use plenty of anti-mosquito sprays when not in the surf. Anti-malarial medication can also be taken.

Earthquakes do occur throughout Sumatra on a regular basis. But most of them are non destructive. Most casualties are due to the poor state of its buildings, which 99% of the time, shouldn’t affect any of our guests.

Tsunami’s like the huge one in 2004 are rare. On average, once every five years or so, a large tsunami occurs in “Indonesia”. Generally, damage to the infrastructure exceeds the loss of lives. Most camps in the area have an evacuation plan as well as the charter boats. In fact being on a boat is probably the safest place to be.

Coral Reef – Although it helps shape the mechanical waves of the region, it is also something to be respectful of due it’s sharpness. It’s why we recommend only experienced riders venturing to some of the more dangerous surf spots.

Pasti is the reason you should come to the Telo Islands. At least for tube hungry riders who are comfortable with big drops, bigger barrels and fast exits. When it’s on, Pasti is something to behold. It’s mesmerising from start to finish whether you’re in the line-up or mind surfing it from the safety of the camp. In glassy or off-shore conditions, it can deliver 3 separate barrel sections starting from the take off, then running into a 2nd very makeable tube section before a final barrel which although also breaks with perfect form – can shut down on the last inside section – you have been warned!

This right hander only really starts to become a real quality wave in the head high region & will peel with perfect form. At 4-6’ it becomes even more lined-up. At 8’ it’s for chargers only as the take off zone remains in the same spot but the wave refuses to get much taller – just thicker. Be sure to check out the section on Andy Irons & co surfing in Blue Horizon (the last section is Pasti)

Another of Surfing Village's secret spots, Rahasia is a magical break, located in a protected bay close to shore with an impressive tropical backdrop. Needs a solid South West swell to really light up, this left only needs to be shoulder to head high to be extremely fun, with guaranteed barrels on offer. 

Baga is one of the “go to” waves in the area as it’s a reliable swell magnet, has favourable wind conditions and it works on all tides. It’s located off a desolate tropical island with translucent water and is very close to Surfing Village. Perfect for pretty much anyone – it breaks from 2’-10‘ – and offers long playful walls as well as the odd tube section here and there. 

Mibs is a very long barrelling wave that only becomes more manageable during larger south-west swells. A superb sight to behold when the swell, wind and tide unite – comparisons to Desert point are not uncommon. Certainly not for the faint hearted, bring a bigger board and you might just luck into a freight train tube. This place holds some size.

The secret deep water wave known as Lado Lado, is a thick A-frame left and right peak that can deliver absolute gold from time to time. A relatively short ride, this Hawaiian style throaty tube, barrels from start to finish and what it lacks in length is made up in quality. Somewhat fickle, the wave requires the right tide and swell direction to really fire, but when it’s on, it’s fully worth having a go – especially since it’s not particularly shallow. A larger board is required for easy entry into its shifting peak.

Pasti’s little brother aka Nagas is found just a stone’s throw away. Only separated by a very handy keyhole - this right hander breaks on the same conditions and is often over looked by surfers. Nagas is often at its best when Pasti is doing its thing and so will largely go unnoticed. Although much shorter in length, this spot can often produce quality surf, certainly around the head high range - running down the reef delivering barrel sections and steep walls to throw some turns on. If you fancy surfing alone, then check out the right, you might be surprised with what you find. 

Situated in a protected bay, this left and right peak offers some long walled up waves and is suited for all abilities. Although rarely surfed – it’s certainly another easy access, softer wave, that’s always worth checking out. Needs some West in the swell before lighting up.

Tangguh is one of the more reliable waves in the Southern Telos, is very open to the Indian Ocean, picking up year round consistent swell. The wave is the first of 3 right handers in close proximity, breaks on all tides and with a number of take-off spots, the crowd is usually very manageable. Different tides will offer different moods, with each wave often perfect in its own way. Fast walls and various tube sections are always on offer in small, medium and large swells.

The middle right-hander located between Tangguh and Tatras. This is by far the fastest, most hollow and shallowest of the three waves. Not as consistent, but certainly the most challenging, surfers can watch in awe as they sit out the back of Tatras whilst mind surfing flawless barrels breaking a few hundred yards away. Advanced chargers only.

Tantras is a very fun wave that all surfers seem to like. It’s located further in the bay than Tantang and Tangguh & it prefers some west in the swell and is pretty consistent from small to medium sized pulses that frequent the area. Ideal at around head high to a foot over head the wave peaks up to form a back door barrel on the take-off before becoming a top turn machine. Rides are mid range in length (100m) with the occasional tube on the inside section. This wave puts a smile on everyone’s faces due its dream like synchronised shape & perfect rhythm. 

Usually when the swell drops on a surf trip, spirits fade. But when staying at Surfing Village, it’s the exact opposite, as everyone’s attention turns to the local beach break. Known as "DAOCAVANACA" - it’s a semi secret spot with mesmerisingly clear water, which delivers punchy A-frames across a white sandy beach. It’s an all out tube fest, so don’t expect to be busting turns. Bring a fuller, floatier board to get you into the wave early. It’s all about getting to your feet as fast as possible. When it’s on, it’s a real highlight. 

If you’re not a charger or an advanced tube rider, then it’s best to give Facas a miss. But if you’re willing to go and you pick the right one, then this extremely photogenic, ultra hollow left will produce some of the best barrels available in the Telo Islands. It’s a 100% commitment type of wave, make the drop and pull in, then eject before the inside closes out! Facas ultimately works only on big South West swells – and is a good 45 mins by boat to get to. But, if the tides and swell line, you could just get the wave of your life. 

Shhhhh is a relatively new discovery in the Southern Telos. This fast paced reeling right hand tube can offer perhaps some of the most perfect tubes in the region. Another full commitment wave, for advanced riders and tube specialists only, this thick cavernous right hander churns along the reef with raw perfection before shutting on the inside. Shhhh is another sensitive wave that requires specific conditions – but certainly a bigger size swell is required for this special wave to light-up. 

An uber fun right that can produce some memorable sessions. Although the bubble doesnt require a huge swell, it's still swell sensitive as over head it turns into a surge of water. But around waist to head high it really is an excellent wave offering speed turns and fun tubes. 

A fairly consistent wave, that lines up in a peak breaking through to a flat safe reef. Most days it's a pretty mellow wave, almost like a beach break over reef, but like this photo shows on it's day it can barrel from take off to pull out.. 

At 3-5' it may be one of the most enjoyable rights in Sumatra. Expect plenty of zippy walls along an idyllic bay covered in coconut palms. Suits all levels due to its forgiving nature & is certainly a favorite for all those that surf this wave. 

Peaky rights that wrap along an incredible back drop, Pinnacles works from waist up to head high. Reminiscent of Burger World in the Mentawai islands, it's also shifty and confused when the swell is larger. One of the most scenic spots you will ever surf.. 

Made up of several separate waves, all of which work on different swell directions, the �yard� is open to the full brunt of swell & is rarely flat. Expect everything from a �Sunset Beach� style open-ocean peak, to fun whackable rights and lefts, this series of waves is usually a lot of fun.. 

A typical long peeling Sumatran left wrapping its way around a beautiful tropical island. Multiple sections allow plenty of opportunity for big maneuvers and tube. This wave is one of the more consistent breaks in the area and suitable for all levels of surfing. Misho�s can break from 3ft up to anything the ocean will throw with the right conditions.. 

A great wave when all the conditions come together, Max's Right (aka The Shoe) is a fun, bowling wave that offers a long ride on the right swell direction. It can provide everything from workable walls to decent length barrels. Its mood is dependent on the swell direction.. 

A wind sensitive right that requires a good swell to get going. But when the stars align, which they do from time to time, expect an awesome wave with long walls as well as tube sections. Improves with size and can handle just about anything mother nature throws at it. . 

Telo Surf Villa is just steps away from arguably the areas best right hander - Hill Bus Station (aka Rangas, GT's). Its a super fun wave that even at chest high is a lot of fun. Over 5' things get more serious but 95% of the time it'll be 2-4'. And whats more is that there's no sketchy inside & it's a 2 minute paddle out to the line-up!. 

Located on the same island as "Resort Latitude Zero", DC's is arguably one of the best waves in Sumatra. That said, it's extremely fickle & you've probably got more chance of seeing a Sumatran tiger. Its also only suited for the most advanced and experienced surfers, as although perfect, its one of the heaviest and shallowest waves around. But if you're up for the challenge & you're lucky enough to score it, expect world class perfect tubes of more than 100m long..